Some indigenes of Ibadan in Oyo State have expressed worry over what they termed as delay in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
The indigenes spoke in their separate statements made available to DAILY POST.
DAILY POST reports that the federal constituency seat became vacant as a result of the demise of the last occupant of the seat, Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi.
Akinremi, who was serving his second term in the office on the platform of APC, died at the age of 51 on Wednesday, 10th July, 2024.
, 11th July, 2024 according to Islamic rites.
Our correspondent reports that nine months after the demise of the lawmaker, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to announce the date of the bye-election.
A community leader in the federal constituency, Hon. Ademola Solalu, in his reaction, advised INEC to announce date for the conduct of the bye election without further delay.
Solalu, a veteran journalist and former Special Assistant on Information and Orientation to the immediate past governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi said that INEC has no justification to delay the bye-election any longer .
Solalu, in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, noted that the federal constituency needs the presence of the federal government.
He said, “There is no justification for INEC to continue to deny the good people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency a deserved representation at the federal house of representatives after the unfortunate demise of late Hon Musiliu Olaide Akinremi.
“It’s been over eight months since the sudden death of Hon Musiliu Akinremi. Ibadan North federal constituency has been without a representative since then.
“This is quite sad and unfortunate. No one expected the conduct of the election to be delayed more than 90 days after the House of Representatives itself has formally announced the passage of the former lawmaker”;.
Another community leader, Mrs Feyisetan Hamzaah, said that the absence of a lawmaker to represent the federal constituency is causing a lot of damages in the area.
She said that the dignity of the people of the federal constituency should not be treated with levity.
She added that the right of the people of the area to qualify representation must not be sacrificed on the altar of bureaucratic sluggishness by INEC.
Hamzaah, in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday said, “It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of duty that I write these words.
“Over eight months ago, Ibadan North Federal Constituency lost one of its brightest sons, Hon. Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi, fondly called “Jagaban.”;
“A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akinremi was more than just a legislator; he was a tireless advocate for his people, a bridge builder, and a compassionate leader whose life was dedicated to service.
“Today, it is painful to observe that almost a year after his passing, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
“Ibadan North remains voiceless at the National Assembly denied the representation it rightfully deserves.
“INEC’s delay has effectively disenfranchised the good people of Ibadan North. It has undermined the very spirit of democracy which insists that the people must always have a voice. It is unacceptable.
“We demand that INEC rise to its constitutional responsibility without further delay.
“The dignity of the people of Ibadan North must not be treated with levity. Their right to representation must not be sacrificed on the altar of bureaucratic sluggishness”;.
